ISLAMABAD: Private airline South Air plans to launch flights to Dera Ismail Khan and Chitral as part of its strategy to connect remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Pakistan’s national aviation network, company officials said.
The announcement was made during a meeting between South Air Chairman Kanwar Muhammad Tariq and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. The two discussed ways to improve air connectivity across the province and expand commercial flight operations.
Tariq said the airline intends to operate daily flights to Dera Ismail Khan, describing the route as a key destination for the company. Regular flights to Chitral will also be launched to improve access to remote regions and strengthen domestic connectivity.
He said South Air is set to begin commercial flight operations across Pakistan later this month after completing operational, technical and administrative preparations.
According to the company, the airline will also operate flights from Peshawar to Karachi and Quetta. Daily flights between Peshawar and Lahore are also planned.
Governor Kundi assured the airline of full support for launching services to Dera Ismail Khan and Chitral. He expressed confidence that the new routes would contribute to the province’s economic and tourism development.
He said improved air connectivity was essential for promoting tourism, trade and investment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which he described as one of Pakistan’s leading tourist destinations. He noted that several important regions of the province still lack adequate air links.
Kundi said new connections between Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore and Quetta would boost economic activity and create new opportunities for employment, tourism and commerce.
The development comes shortly after the governor visited Dera Ismail Khan International Airport, where officials from the Pakistan Airports Authority briefed him on ongoing rehabilitation work.
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According to Kundi, resurfacing of the airport’s runway has been completed, while the remaining work is expected to finish soon, paving the way for the airport’s reopening. The facility has remained closed since 2015.
He also said a proposed Greenfield International Airport will be built on more than 1,700 acres and will have the capacity to handle over one million passengers annually.
